Jellies Invasion

Jellies: Brainless and Beautiful

Originally intended to be a temporary exhibit, Jellies Invasion became a permanent part of the Aquarium due to its popularity. From the graceful Pacific sea nettle to the short and stout blue blubber, Jellies Invasion highlights the stunning diversity of these fascinating invertebrates.

Jellies come in every color, shape and size. They are mostly made up of water and have stinging cells in their tentacles that protect them and help them catch food. Jellies are found all over the world and thrive in salt, fresh and brackish water.

Growth and Care Across Life Stages

Aquarist Allissa Lucas gives a behind-the-scenes look at how the Aquarium team raises jellies. All jellies begin as little polyps that reproduce asexually by cloning themselves. Next, they enter the ephyra stage and grow longer tentacles before reaching the full-sized medusa stage.

Every year, we raise thousands of jellies at the Aquarium's Culture Lab at the Institute of Marine and Environmental Technology (IMET), located just next door to the National Aquarium. In fact, almost all the jellies on exhibit at the Aquarium are raised at IMET—including the moon jellies in Living Seashore.

Going With the Flow

There's something so hypnotic and relaxing about watching blue blubber jellies pulse around in the water. Take a break with these beautiful invertebrates when you visit the Aquarium—or wherever you want with our livestream!

Blue blubbers actually come in a wide array of colors! How many different colors can you spot?

Stinging Snot

Everyone knows that jellies' tentacles sting, but did you know their mucus does, too? Several years ago, Aquarium staff worked with the Smithsonian Institute to publish a paper about the stinging-cell structures in upside-down jellies' mucus. By studying polyps cultivated by Aquarium staff, they discovered some species of jellies can sting prey without touching them! These jellies can release venom-filled mucus grenades strong enough to kill brine shrimp.